Finally, I got a trip into the park. Lots of wildlife as expected but did not see but one wolf and few bears. But now that I'm more in tune with locations, times, and distances I can better plan where to be on the next trip.

Here's a sample of images from the trip.

















Now a few observations. While a beautiful place I personally truly find it falling a bit short of the wonderful scenery in Glacier. Asis from the wildlife ops, and of course the thermal features, I did not find the scenery all that different from what I can see on any given day here in northern Utah. But I will be back again and again for the wonderful diversity and multitude of wildlife opportunities.

Get networked, seems to be and "underground" network of shooters sharing wolf kills, den sites, etc. Tap into this source and your golden.

Oh, and a 800/5.6 manual focus lens is tough to use in the dim forest and on dynamic situations like bears and coyotes.

Most used lenses where the 800/5.6, 560/6.8, 400/5.6, 70-200/2.8 and 100/2.0. Other than some scenics with a 50/1.4 these are all the lenses I used. I need to pack lighter next trip as I brought the total kit.

Wonderful trip and the drive only took me exactly 4 1/2 hours without speeding at all. The truck was a big help in pulling off and shooting at several locations and I would recommend a vehicle with clearance over a car myself. Oh, and many times it felt like I was one a race track, why is everyone is such a hurry there??

Anyway, lovely trip and I can't wait to get back. In fact we may go again in two weeks before it get's crazy crowded.

Love the little fox.

Jim:

So, the curse has been lifted. Looks like you made the most of it once you finally got there. Nice work!

Jim

All are great! The fox stands out to me as it seems to be interacting a bit with you the photographer.

Nicely done all of them.

Roman

Fantastic shots Jim, my favs are the two of the fox and the wide angle with the bison.
My wife and I agree with you, for wildlife photos Yellowstone is the place to go. We've always enjoyed the diverse wildlife you get to see there.

Don

Jim,

Glad to hear you finally got to the park and thanks for sharing the wildlife images. I do have a technical question about the first three. It looks to me like you might have had to do a significant crop on these. The thing that really struck me though was the pretty rough looking bokeh with these images. Is that an issue with the lens you were using? I have to say that your results with the Nikkor 800mm has me looking around for one of these. That image of the eagle at ISO800 with that lens is just great.

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Here's a sample of images from the trip.

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Now a few observations. While a beautiful place I personally truly find it falling a bit short of the wonderful scenery in Glacier.

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I know what you mean here. Yellowstone scenery is all about geological features, river meadows, and waterfalls. But you can always drive south for 30 minutes to the Tetons for spectacular mountains. However, nothing in the lower 48 beats Glacier for snow capped mountains and valleys.

Again, thanks for sharing.

Geo

Hey Jim,

Where did you see the fox cubs? I almost NEVER see fox.

James

Thanks, Jim. I usually get up to where they are doing the construction and turn around. I have only actually gone 'out' of the East Gate on one occasion, and it was to go to the Museum at Cody. For folks who have never gone to the museum, it should The museum at Jackson Hole is also quite good - but the museum in Cody is just huge - and has an amazing amount of art and of course, their rifle exhibit.

James